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Between The Frames - TEDxOlympia

Socially engaged artist, Michael B. Maine, shares his story of learning how some of the most important moments occur when he puts down the camera. His process of working with clients and subjects is a slow one intended to build strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect and appreciation.

Segment on Art Zone with Nancy Guppy

Photographer Michael Maine addresses homogeneity with his latest project "Homogeneity is a Myth." Maine shares his own experiences and explains how he uses photography as a tool to bridge communities that might not otherwise know each other.

Who am I?

I am a socially engaged creative, extremely curious about social systems. I'm most alive when learning from and with others in individual or small groups. I love that people often share with me things they haven't admitted to even themselves yet.

What do I do?

I make pictures. I practice and experiment with various forms of media (especially visual media) to think about and process the stuff that is constantly on my mind. For me, art is about acknowledging and appreciating the dignity and beauty that is everywhere.

Why does it matter?

I wake up in the morning and say things like, "Today I get to work with this cool person, on this cool project, at this cool place." That wasn't always the case. I'd like to think I can make help make the world a better place, but at the very least, I can bring myself to it better.

What Others Say

What Others Say

What Others Say About Me

Briana Waldhelm

Sylvia Sitters

“You are gifted, sexy, nerdy, brilliant connector, and dream-teller!"

Angela Hamilton

“Thanks for the interview. Last night in a typical psychoanalytical way, I realized that my call to olders to move into their elderhood is really a call for all of us to move into our ever wiser selves, and most espcially for myself to move into my ability to embody and express my wisdom on an everyday basis. Thanks for cultivating the space for me to reflect deeply on myself.”

David A. Rutherford

“Just got back from the Net Impact / BGI speed networking event. A great evening with lots of opportunities to meet with some phenomenal people ( BGI was there in force) Also some great headshots courtesy of Michael B. Maine. He even managed to make me look good, so he’s apparently less of a photographer and more of a magician.”

Nancy Carroll

“You are a wise, witty, and visionary sage.”

Sherrie Zollinger

"If you're in the Seattle area and looking to get some (fun) professional (or other) photos taken of you or your family, Michael B. Maine is the guy to talk to / hire… Immensely talented, able to put even the most jaded about getting their picture taken (me) to relax and laugh, have fun, and got some great pics as well!"

Issues

Issues

On My Mind

Human Trafficking

I don’t often judge, but I feel strongly that modern-day slavery, in all of its forms, is one of the most vile institutions on the face of the planet. As a descendent of slaves I still feel the effects of the institutionalized forced labor of and genocidal practices towards an entire group of people. ‘The psychological, economic, and social effects permeate throughout not only the victims, but all of us who share this world. No human being should have to experience the suffering brought about by human trafficking or forced labor of any sort. As Kevin Bales and Ron Soodalter write in The Slave Next Door, “America was born with the congenital disease of slavery, and legal or illegal, it has never left us. Today, we are still conflicted about our slave-holding past and its ugly aftermath.” Much of what is going on now is underground. It’s time to raise awareness and take action.

Social Deviance

I find the study of social deviance fascinating because it serves as the intersection of so much of the human condition. Traditionally, sociology defines deviance as the breaking of social norms. To me, this begs the question, "What does the system look like and how does that system work to create social deviance—not only in its manifestations, but also in the discourse, ideologies, and study?” On the one hand, deviance is responsible for many of the things typically lauded such as different forms of art, entrepreneurship, and creativity. On the other hand it is also responsible for many of the things typically criticized such as crime and homelessness. In its purest sense, deviance simply means different. However, it is usually used in a context which looks a little more like: deviance = different + not acceptable. When does unique and/or different become deviant? What are the structures and experiences that help create it? And what are the stories and learnings that are often lost in the silencing of those who reside in the fringes?

Literacy

While living in San Antonio I learned that, in the sixth largest city in the United Sates, 25% of its residents couldn’t read and comprehend basic paragraphs in English. In a country with a 99% literacy rate, this is a frightening statistic. That means that a full quarter of the population of a major city is systematically denied access to employment, healthcare, and many other institutions. Knowing how to read does not equal literacy. Literacy is the ability to understand and create information and make informed decisions. It’s not enough for a person to be able to read. Cultural, media, technological, and digital literacy and access is necessary for a person to have an equal chance. it is attributed to reducing crime, increasing health, and leading a richer, happier life.